News
Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon Presents Prestigious John Philip Sousa Awards to Six Area Students
Contact: Stephanie Blanchardsblanchard@knoxchamber.com Phone: 740-393-1111 Date: 6/3/26 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon Presents Prestigious John Philip Sousa Awards to Six Area Students Mount Vernon, OH – On May 11, Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon held the 16th Annual John Philip Sousa Awards Luncheon and recognized one outstanding student from each of the county’s high schools for their superior musicianship, leadership, dependability, and loyalty. The Sousa Award is the most
Knox County Regional Airport to dedicate Becker Mining Systems Aviation Education Center with special event
CONTACT: Mark Fritz Knox County Airport Authority 440-429-3682mfritz@applevalleypoa.com PRESS RELEASE Knox County Regional Airport to dedicate Becker Mining Systems Aviation Education Center with special event MOUNT VERNON, Ohio – The public is invited to attend a special event held at the Knox County Regional Airport on Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Airport leadership will celebrate the new Becker Mining Systems Aviation Education Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. and
.png)
COTC Honors Peace Officer Basic Training Graduates
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWARK, OHIO, JUNE 5, 2026 — Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) celebrated one of its highest-performing Peace Officer Basic Training (POBT) program cohorts during a graduation ceremony on May 21. The 13 cadets collectively scored better than 95% on this year’s state certification exam. James Rease, COTC's POBT commander, called that figure one of the program’s best ever. Every graduate has either solidified or is pending employment with an agency in central Ohio, including
Hellbender Discovery Day coming to Ariel-Foundation Park June 13
CONTACT: Mike Miller Ariel-Foundation Park Conservancymanager@afpark.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Hellbender Discovery Day coming to Ariel-Foundation Park June 13 MOUNT VERNON, Ohio – Ariel-Foundation Park, in partnership with Rural Action, will host Hellbender Discovery Day on Saturday, June 13, from 1-5 p.m. at Ariel-Foundation Park in Mount Vernon. This free community event invites guests to explore the hidden life of local waterways through hands-on activities, educational experiences, film
Dean's Jewelry Launches Hope Sparkles Event to Support Local Families Through Jewelry Care Initiative
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dean’s Jewelry Mount Vernon Location - 1573 Coshocton Ave, Mt. Vernon, Ohio 43050 Coshocton Location - 409 Main St, Coshocton, OH 43812 deansjewelry.com Dean’s Jewelry Launches “Hope Sparkles” Event to Support Local Families Through Jewelry Care Initiative Annual Repair Event evolves to include charitable giving across the Coshocton and Mount Vernon communities. Dean’s Jewelry is bringing new meaning to a longtime customer favorite this June. Their annual
Knox County Foundation Awards More Than $1.3 Million in Scholarships to 484 Students
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASELisa LloydSenior Program Director Knox County Foundation 740-392-3270Lisa@knoxcf.org Knox County Foundation Awards More Than $1.3 Million in Scholarships to 484 Students MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (May 29, 2026) — The Knox County Foundation has awarded more than $1.3 million in scholarships to 484 students for the 2026–2027 academic year, continuing its long-standing commitment to supporting educational opportunities throughout Knox County and beyond. This year’s scholarship awards
MVNU launches Master of Organizational Leadership degree
PRESS RELEASECONTACT: Joe Huddleston, Communications Specialistjoshuddleston@mvnu.edu740-397-9000www.mvnu.edu/news MAY 29, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HEADLINE: MVNU launches Master of Organizational Leadership degree MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University has launched a Master of Organizational Leadership degree through MVNU Online, a new graduate program designed to prepare working professionals to lead teams, manage change, and strengthen organizational culture. The 30-credit
.jpg)
Knox County Chamber of Commerce Holds 32nd Annual Spring Swing Golf Outing
PRESS RELEASE Contact: Vivian Brown Programs & Membership Intern, Knox County Chamber of Commerce Office: 740-393-1111 Date: 5/29/2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Knox County Chamber of Commerce Holds 32nd Annual Spring Swing Golf Outing Mount Vernon, Ohio – The Knox County Chamber of Commerce hosted its 32nd Annual Spring Swing Golf Outing on Thursday, May 21st, at Vernon View Golf Course. This event, a staple in Knox County, was generously presented by Corporate Sponsor, Dean’s Jewelry. The Chamber
Knox Community Hospital Hosts Annual Cancer Survivor Event
Mount Vernon, OH – May 21, 2026 – KCH invites the community to attend the Annual Cancer Survivor Event to celebrate our local cancer survivors on Thursday, June 11. This free event will be held at the Glenn A. Gallagher Centre community room; doors open at 5:30 pm, with the program and speakers beginning at 6 pm. The American Cancer Society declares that a cancer survivor is “anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer, no matter where they are in the course of their disease.” The “Hope Grows Here”
“Doc Talk – Overview of Peripheral Vascular Occlusive Disease”
“Doc Talk – Overview of Peripheral Vascular Occlusive Disease”May 26, 2026—Mount Vernon, OH—Join us for a free Doc Talk on Thursday, June 18, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, where Stephen Vincent, M.D., Vascular Surgeon, will discuss common warning signs, diagnosis, treatment approaches, and prevention strategies. Learn how early detection and proper care can improve quality of life and overall vascular health.This event is free and open to the community. It will be held in the Wright Family Medical Pavilion (WFMP),
Food For The Hungry grants $30,500 for Summer Food Programs
PRESS RELEASEContact: Olivia Greenich Stern Food For The Hungry Digital Content & Marketing Director (330) 260-4059contact@foodforthehungrycares.org May 26, 2026FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEHEADLINE: Food For The Hungry grants $30,500 for Summer Food Programs MOUNT VERNON, Ohio—Food For The Hungry (FFTH) is awarding 12 Summer Grants, totaling $30,500. The FFTH Summer Grant program began in 2020, when the COVID-19 lockdown heightened awareness of child hunger throughout the United States. In Knox County, Ohio,
Cooper-Risser announced as Food For The Hungry’s Annual Drive and Community Relations Director
PRESS RELEASE Contact: Olivia Greenich Stern Food For The Hungry Digital Content & Marketing Director (330) 260-4059 contact@foodforthehungrycares.org May 19, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HEADLINE: Cooper-Risser announced as Food For The Hungry’s Annual Drive and Community Relations Director MOUNT VERNON — The Board of Directors for Food For The Hungry is pleased to announce the selection of Tanner Cooper-Risser as the new Annual Drive and Community Relations Director, a position the Board has
Brinkhaven Village Council Unanimously Adopts First Municipal Code of Ordinances in Village History
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Brinkhaven, Ohio | May 2026 Brinkhaven Village Council Unanimously Adopts First Municipal Code of Ordinances in Village History Mayor Christopher Wyant Signs Legislation Into Law; Takes Immediate Effect BRINKHAVEN, Ohio — The Brinkhaven Village Council voted unanimously to adopt a comprehensive Municipal Code of Ordinances, and Mayor Christopher Wyant signed the legislation into law, effective immediately. The Code represents the first organized body of municipal law in the
COTC Celebrates Spring Commencement with Milestone Achievements
HEADLINE: COTC Celebrates Spring Commencement with Milestone Achievements NEWARK, OHIO, MAY 14, 2026 — Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) hosted a landmark commencement on May 8, honoring all graduates who completed their degree and/or certificate requirements in the spring 2026 semester. COTC President John M. Berry, PhD, presided over the ceremony, which featured the first graduating classes from the college’s respiratory therapy technology and RN to BSN programs. “They will send passionate, skilled
MVNU celebrates 66th commencement, awards 565 diplomas
PRESS RELEASECONTACT: Joe Huddleston, Communications Specialistjoshuddleston@mvnu.edu740-397-9000, ext. 4344www.mvnu.edu/news MAY 15, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HEADLINE: MVNU celebrates 66th commencement, awards 565 diplomas CUTLINES: MVNU_Graduation2026-Davey.jpg — Dr. Randall Davey, a member of the Pioneer Class as MVNU, speaks to the graduates during the 66th commencement ceremonies. Dr. Davey challenged them to “Be kind; be curious; and be loving.” (Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon Nazarene
Knox County Foundation Awards $88,000 in April Grant Cycle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASELisa LloydSenior Program Director Knox County Foundation 740-392-3270Lisa@knoxcf.org Knox County Foundation Awards $88,000 in April Grant Cycle Five small grants and a strategic investment support projects across Knox County MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (May 15, 2026) — Knox County Foundation has awarded $88,000 in grants through its April 2026 grant cycle, supporting projects focused on student wellness, youth development, historic preservation, community infrastructure, and long-term
MVNU, Knox County Career Center partner to expand educational access
MAY 19, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEHEADLINE: MVNU, Knox County Career Center partner to expand educational accessCUTLINE: MVNU_KCCC Gateway Signing.jpg — Mount Vernon Nazarene University President Dr. Carson Castleman, left, and Knox County Career Center Superintendent Kathy Greenich signed an agreement between the two institutions, recently. The agreement formalized a Gateway Partnership aimed at expanding access to higher education, strengthening workforce development and creating affordable academic
.png)
COTC’s Promise Programs Honored with Innovation of the Year Award
HEADLINE: COTC's Promise Programs Honored with Innovation of the Year AwardNEWARK, OHIO, MAY 18, 2026 --- Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) recently earned a 2025-26 Innovation of the Year Award for the development of its Promise programs, through which students in its service region who exhibit financial need can receive free tuition. The award is presented by the League for Innovation in the Community College, an international nonprofit dedicated to encouraging and rewarding innovation in the
Samantha Turner Named Mount Vernon Arts Consortium Executive Director
CONTACT: Megan EvansMarketing ManagerMount Vernon Arts Consortium Samantha Turner Named Mount Vernon Arts Consortium Executive Director MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (May 18, 2026) – The Mount Vernon Arts Consortium is pleased to announce the appointment of Samantha Turner as its new Executive Director. Turner brings to the Arts Consortium more than a decade of experience in event management, arts administration, education, and nonprofit operations. Most recently, she served as Assistant Director in Kenyon
Fredericktown educator receives MVNU Mentor Teacher Award
PRESS RELEASE CONTACT: Joe Huddleston, Communications Specialist joshuddleston@mvnu.edu 740-397-9000, ext. 4344 www.mvnu.edu/news MAY 11, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HEADLINE: Fredericktown educator receives MVNU Mentor Teacher AwardCUTLINE: MVNU_Education Award.jpg — MVNU senior Aubree Bailey, left, nominated Fredericktown third-grade teacher Amber Parry, center, for the 2026 Mentor Teacher of the Year award, which is given annually by the MVNU Education Department. Dr. Elizabeth Napier, right, said
Future nurses recognized for excellence at MVNU
PRESS RELEASECONTACT: Joe Huddleston, Communications Specialistjoshuddleston@mvnu.edu740-397-9000, ext. 4344www.mvnu.edu/news APRIL 27, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HEADLINE: Future nurses recognized for excellence at MVNUCUTLINE: MVNU_Nursing.jpg — Thirteen MVNU students were inducted into the Rho Nu at-Large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing during a recent ceremony. Pictured in the front row, from left, are Kristi Jordan, Malia Forbes, and Ariana Mast. In the second
Country Stars Simba Jordan and Julia Neville Set to Headline 4th Annual Concert Night for the Commun
Country Stars Simba Jordan and Julia Neville Set to Headline 4th Annual Concert Night for the Community MOUNT VERNON, OH – Get ready for a night of high-energy boots and booming vocals! CES Credit Union is thrilled to announce that regional powerhouses Simba Jordan and Julia Neville will headline the Fourth Annual Concert Night for the Community on Saturday, September 19th. This free, family-friendly celebration returns to the iconic Schnormeier Event Center at Ariel Foundation Park. Known for hosting
County-Wide “Bottoms Up Diaper Drive” Returns This May to Support Local Families
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 29, 2026 Lisa Lloyd, Kiwanis Member, Vice-Chair of the Knox County Head Start Board of Directorslisa@knoxcf.org740-392-3270County-Wide “Bottoms Up Diaper Drive” Returns This May to Support Local FamiliesMount Vernon, Ohio — Families across Knox County will benefit from the annual “Bottoms Up Diaper Drive,” taking place throughout the month of May. Coordinated locally by Knox County Head Start the drive aims to collect diapers for families in need across the community. Now in its
Doc Talk - Stronger, Safer, Smarter: How Therapy Helps You Live Better”
Doc Talk - Stronger, Safer, Smarter: How Therapy Helps You Live Better”April 22, 2026—Mount Vernon, OH—Join us for a free Doc Talk on Tuesday, May 19, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. Kelly Sheffield, OT and Nicole Martin, PT, will discuss how to feel stronger, move with confidence, and take control of your health every day! Discover how therapy services can help you prevent injuries, recover faster, make everyday tasks easier, and build the strength, safety, and confidence you need to live better every day.This event
MVNU to host On Deck golf outing to support Cougar Baseball
PRESS RELEASECONTACT: Joe Huddleston, Communications Specialistjoshuddleston@mvnu.edu740-397-9000, ext. 4344www.mvnu.edu/news April 29, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEHEADLINE: MVNU to host On Deck golf outing to support Cougar Baseball MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Supporters of Mount Vernon Nazarene University Athletics have an opportunity to enjoy a day on the course while supporting Cougar baseball during the On Deck Golf Outing, to be held Monday, September 21, 2026, at New Albany Country Club.The outing will
KCH Brings Back Pulmonology
KCH Brings Back Pulmonology April 30, 2026—Mount Vernon, Ohio—KCH welcomes Emad Kowatli, MD, as the Department of Specialty Care brings Pulmonology back to Knox Community Hospital and to the community. Dr. Kowatli started his education at Wright State University, where he also did his residency in Internal Medicine. His three Fellowships included Critical Care at the Chicago Medical School/Cook County Hospital in North Chicago, Pulmonary and Sleep at the University of South Florida College of Medicine,
“The Woodward Exchange” Brings Big Ideas, Local Expertise, and Community Voices to the Stage
PRESS RELEASE “The Woodward Exchange” Brings Big Ideas, Local Expertise, and Community Voices to the Stage FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dena Hess, Managing Director The Woodward Opera House Dena@TheWoodward.org Mount Vernon, Ohio — A new speaker series designed to inform, inspire, and connect the community is coming to the stage at the Woodward Opera House. “The Woodward Exchange: Sharing What We Know. Growing Where We Live.” invites audiences to explore ideas, stories, and expertise from
MVNU Community Music School to host Summer Youth Band for middle school musicians
PRESS RELEASECONTACT: Joe Huddleston, Communications Specialistjoshuddleston@mvnu.edu740-397-9000, ext. 4344www.mvnu.edu/news MAY 6, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEHEADINE: MVNU Community Music School to host Summer Youth Band for middle school musiciansMOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Middle school musicians will have the opportunity to grow their musical skills and perform in a live concert this summer through the Summer Youth Band, a program of the MVNU Community Music School at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.The
MVNU undergraduate researchers publish first peer-reviewed article from SPUR Program
PRESS RELEASECONTACT: Joe Huddleston, Communications Specialistjoshuddleston@mvnu.edu740-397-9000, ext. 4344www.mvnu.edu/news May 7, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEHEADLINE: MVNU undergraduate researchers publish first peer-reviewed article from SPUR ProgramCUTLINE: MVNU_Presentation.jpg — Dr. Luiz Oliveira, Associate Professor and Program Director for the MVNU Chemistry and Physics program, and student Jerhett Morehouse stand before their presentation which was completed as part of the University’s Summer
MVNU Board extends Dr. Castleman’s contract through 2031
PRESS RELEASECONTACT: Joe Huddleston, Communications Specialistjoshuddleston@mvnu.edu740-397-9000, ext. 4344www.mvnu.edu/news MAY 8, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEHEADLINE: MVNU Board extends Dr. Castleman’s contract through 2031PHOTO: Dr. Carson Castleman MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — The Board of Trustees of Mount Vernon Nazarene University has unanimously reaffirmed its confidence in Dr. Carson Castleman, announcing a new four-year contract renewal that will extend his presidency through June 2031. The
Eagle Rock Tours Announces 2026 Tours
Eagle Rock Tours announces their 2026 Destinations and Itineraries. For more information or to make a reservation contact their customer service specialists at 740-694-1673, or email them at info@eaglerocktours.com. Check out their brochure!https://chambermaster.blob.core.windows.net/userfiles/UserFiles/chambers/2893/File/2026Januaryflyer.pdf
